It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
